Dollywood safe amid wildfires

After raging fires in Tennessee killed at least three people, forced thousands to evacuate and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses in and around Gatlinburg, Dolly Parton offered her prayers and support Tuesday and gave fans an update on Dollywood in nearby Pigeon Forge.

“I have been watching the terrible fires in the Great Smoky Mountains, and I am heartbroken,” the Tennessee native said in a statement. “I am praying for all the families affected by the fire and the firefighters who are working so hard to keep everyone safe. It is a blessing that my Dollywood theme park, the DreamMore Resort and so many businesses in Pigeon Forge have been spared.”

The fires, which were fueled by wind after burning for weeks in nearby droughtstricken states, were believed to have wiped out an entire resort of more than 100 buildings.